The workers, led by party Urban District secretary, R R Mohankumar, shouted slogans against Rajapaksa and set his effigy ablaze. However, police immediately snatched it and put off the fire.

Meanwhile, media persons staged a demonstration here condemning the alleged assault by police in Tirupati on some journalists from Tamil Nadu, who were covering Rajapaksa's visit, they said. Similar protests were held at Udhagamandalam, organised by the Nilgiris Press Club, police said.